Kingship/Good/Duncan Flashcards
“Signs of nobleness like stars shall shine / On all deservers,”
Duncan is shown to be a just and benevolent ruler, demonstrating
important aspects of kingship by telling his court, “Signs of nobleness like stars shall shine / On all deservers,” (1.4), meaning he is willing to reward all those who do good. It can be interpreted that he is saying that virtue and nobility are visible traits in a person, distinguishing them from others. The simile “like stars shall shine” connotes divine power, implying they will be rewarded in the afterlife as well as now. It aligns “deservers” with God.
“I have begun to plant thee and will labour / To make thee full of growing,” to which Banquo replies, “There if I grow, / The harvest is your own,”
Duncan is portrayed as someone who is invested in his followers, as he says, “I have begun to plant thee and will labour / To make thee full of growing,” to which Banquo replies, “There if I grow, / The harvest is your own,” (1.4). He is dedicated to self-improvement and the success of others. The semantic field of agriculture connotes new life and nourishment, presenting Duncan as nurturing and considerate.
“Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been / So clear in his great office, that his virtues / Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against / The deep damnation of his taking-off,”
Duncan is such a successful monarch that even those who seek to kill him admire the way he rules. Macbeth outlines Duncan’s honourable qualities: he “Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been / So clear in his great office, that his virtues / Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against / The deep damnation of his taking-off,” (1.7). Thereby acknowledging that Duncan is a good king
“More is thy due than more than all can pay,”
“Go pronounce his present death / And with his former title greet Macbeth,”
Shakespeare shows how Duncan governs fairly to do what is best for his country. He rewards those who do good, telling Macbeth, “More is thy due than more than all can pay,” (1.4). At the same time, he punishes traitors, ordering the execution of the Thane of Cawdor for his acts of treason: “Go pronounce his present death / And with his former title greet Macbeth,” (1.2). This exchange of “title[s]” at the beginning of the play presents the audience with a country that is stable and balanced. Duncan’s court appears to be the pinnacle of justice. However, this scene also foreshadows Macbeth’s betrayal.
“We will establish our estate upon / Our eldest, Malcolm,”
The Jacobean audience would have known the trouble that a monarch dying without an heir would have created. Elizabeth I died without an heir which resulted in a big change to the way Britain was ruled by her successor. By providing the country with an heir, Duncan was ensuring political stability and security. He announces that his son Macolm will be his heir-apparent: “We will establish our estate upon / Our eldest, Malcolm,” (1.4). Shakespeare thus establishes Duncan as a trustworthy king and provides a vision of the safe future. Obviously this is ruined by Macbeth.
